Monthly Archives: February 2014

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is how to properly maintain a system. Thankfully, septic system maintenance is not difficult. I have compiled some simple tips that can help you keep a well-designed and properly-sized septic system healthy for years to come.

Tip 1: Schedule regular inspections

Your septic system needs regular checkups. Your inspector will be able to assess the overall health of your system and determine any repairs that might need to be made or parts that need to be replaced before you experience major issues. How often depends upon your county’s requirements as well as the age and health of your system. Ideally, you should schedule an annual inspection.

Tip 2: Pump your septic tank

The solids that accumulate in your septic tank need to be pumped out and disposed of. If these solids are not removed, they will eventually accumulate in your drain field, clog the pores in your soil, and damage your drain field. As a bonus, the septic effluent can also pond on your drain field or even back up into your house (yuck!). Either way, when this happens, the damage to your system is likely irreversible. How often you pump depends upon the size of your tank, your use habits, and the number of people in your household, but typically you only need to pump every few years. When you get your inspection done, your inspector can give you better insight.

Tip 3: Be kind to your septic drain field

There are several key ways that you can protect your drain field, which is crucial for removing contaminants and impurities from the septic effluent (liquid that emerges from the septic tank).

Cover your drain field with plants, avoiding trees and shrubs since their roots can clog and damage drain lines. Plant trees should as far away from the drain field as possible.

Get rid of your garbage disposal. Raw undigested garbage will add to the solids in your septic tank and put a heavy burden on the biological demands of the tank. Instead, scrape plates into the waste bin or compost pile.

Conserve water and check plumbing for leaks. In addition to being environmentally responsible, this will help you avoid putting an undue burden on your drain field’s capabilities.

Divert storm water from your road or driveway (or gutters) away from the drain field.

Avoid stockpiling materials on your drain field or disturbing the soil. And of course, never park vehicles on your drain field. Compacting or disturbing the soil on your drain field is a big no-no.

Tip 4: Banish the Septic System Dirty Dozen

Your septic system relies on a healthy colony of bacteria to process waste. Avoid the following chemicals to keep bacteria at healthy levels. A good rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t want it on your skin, you should not flush it down the drain. (I won’t even talk about garbage such as diapers or feminine products since I KNOW you wouldn’t flush these down the toilet.) To learn more about the dirty dozen (and alternatives), read my full post.

Tip 5: Avoid septic system additives and cleaners

Save your money. If you minimize the septic system dirty dozen and stick to the tips listed above, you won’t need to use these expensive and unnecessary treatments. In fact, some of these additives can even damage your system or contaminate groundwater.

So that’s it – all you need to know to keep your septic system healthy and happy for the long haul. Got questions around septic system maintenance or need an inspection, please feel free to give me a call.

A lot of people ask me how to ensure a septic system lasts for years to come. In addition to annual inspections and maintenance, your septic system’s health depends upon what you feed it.

Like your own gut, a healthy septic system requires bacteria in order to function optimally. Bacteria helps to break down the solids in your tank. In fact, up to 50% of the solids in your tank are transformed into liquids and gases. Bacteria also helps to break down organic matter in the effluent (the wastewater that is discharged from the tank) before it gets released into your soil. The bacteria living in your soil helps to complete the decomposition process.

So, how can you ensure your system maintains a healthy bacteria colony?

Avoid the Septic System Dirty Dozen

Follow these guidelines to help your septic system’s bacteria and microbes to flourish.

Avoid this

Why it’s bad

Use this instead

1. Liquid fabric softener

Adds salts to the water and causes emulsification instead of separation and the natural breakdown of organics

Add ½ cup of baking soda or a cup of vinegar to your wash or use dryer balls

2. Bath and body oils

Excessive oils and grease can be harmful; if levels get high enough, they can create a toxic environment for microbes

Dispose of properly in trash or (better) with the National Drug Take Back Day – never flush

9. Antibacterial soap

Kills microbes and bacteria while having no greater effectiveness at deactivating viruses than soap

Use plain soap

10. Powdered laundry detergent

Fillers and extenders can clog the drain field

Use eco-friendly liquid detergent

11. Surfactants

Found in many laundry soaps and cleansers to help separate stains from fabrics by changing the natural properties of water

Choose natural soaps and detergents with zero phosphate content

12. Paint/remodeling debris

Household chemicals, pesticides, paints and other debris are toxic to the environment, not to mention your septic system

Drop off unused products at a hazardous waste disposal center

The “Septic System Dirty Dozen” provides a general guideline around what to put into your septic system. Does it mean if you put these chemicals down the drain accidentally or on occasion that you will ruin your septic system? No. But regular use of these items will diminish your septic system’s life. Besides, do you really want these chemicals to end up in your groundwater?

Remember: A good rule of thumb is if you are comfortable using the chemical on your skin, it is probably OK for your septic system.

A quick note about septic system additives

Worried about reversing damage? In general, most septic system additives are a waste of money. Not only that, some septic system additives can actually damage your system by interfering with the treatment of wastewater and even contaminating your groundwater. We’ll go into additives in a future blog post, but if you would like to learn more, view this handy PDF from Washington State University.

Special thanks goes to Sara Hager at the University of Minnesota who granted ASTech Professionals Inc. permission to include information from her presentation, “Dirty Bakers-Dozen Harmful Contributions to Septic Systems.”

The ideal septic system is one you don’t have to think about beyond annual inspections and maintenance and occasional pumping. And one of the best ways to keep it off your mind (and out of your pocketbook) in the future is to include it in your site development plan early in the process. A viable, eco-friendly septic system design is crucial to your property’s value and usability (and your water’s safety) – now and in the future.

When a site is being developed, a septic system should be planned for and installed early on and then blocked off to keep the soil and drain field area free of damage. In addition to your main septic system, you also need to plan for your reserve area. Think of your reserve as “plan B” should your system ever fail due to aging, overuse, or neglect. Like the primary septic system area, the reserve area needs to be protected from traffic and the stock-piling of materials during the building process (and after).

So what can damage your septic system during site development?

In addition to keeping a driveway or structure from being built over the top of the most viable septic area, when a property is being developed, damage can occur in ways you might not think of. Vehicle and heavy machinery traffic and the stockpiling of construction materials or fill can disturb or compact the soil. Compaction can limit the soil’s natural ability to treat wastewater. (Did you know that even livestock can compact soil and make it useless for wastewater treatment?)

I have encountered painful situations when the septic and drain field was not installed until after excavation and construction had begun and the scope and impact of the septic system had not been considered. This lack of planning can result in costly redesign fees, more expensive treatment systems, and lengthy project delays. In the worst cases where no viable septic area is available, the owner has been forced to explore alternatives like a community system, requesting an easement from a neighbor, and possible abandonment of the property.

A little up front planning can go a long way toward saving you money and ensuring a long-lasting, hard-working septic system. In addition to making sure that you have a well-placed and well-designed septic system, I highly recommend that you consider building an enhanced site plan to ensure that these areas are well outlined and protected by contractors during site development.